Vac Hold Down System

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Lameiii
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Vac Hold Down System

Post by Lameiii »

I've been using hold down clamps up to this point in time. I'd like to convert to a vac hold down system but not sure what it encompasses.
I'm looking for information on how to set one up and what equipment I would need to purchase.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Lame

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by Rcnewcomb »

What are you cutting? That will make a difference.

Here are a few links to get you started:
CNC Cookbook: Fixturing with Vacuum
Vacuum Hold Down Strength for CNC
BradyVac II
Good information at AllStar
- Randall Newcomb
10 fingers in, 10 fingers out, another good day in the shop

Lameiii
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by Lameiii »

I'm only cutting wood.

Lame

dldecker
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by dldecker »

Lameiii wrote:I'm only cutting wood.

Lame
plywood, MDF ? vac hold down system works good

lumber - large pieces or small pieces
2 x 12 it works ok, smaller pieces 2 x 6 I would use clamps
Dana Decker
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Lameiii
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by Lameiii »

Does anyone sell vac table parts.

feinddj
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by feinddj »

What kind of vacuum?

Regenerative vac or a shopvac type vacuum system will work for plywood and some wood parts but the vacuum hold down is a log function of the area. The bigger the area, the stronger the hold down. try Lighthouse, BradyvAc or Black box vacuums. A search on Ebay will find regenerative pumps that can provide lots of vacuum power. When I am cutting ply I use a regenerative pump which works fine for most parts. Some care may be needed as to where the cut starts and which bits are cut first, etc.

For smaller items, I use hard vacuum with a gasketed fixture to hold the piece. For example, I have a 2 inch thick p[iece of walnut that is machined with a 1/2 inch ball mill inside and out to a depth of 1.875. The walnut is 4.5 by 5.25 inches. I use a bit of uhmw with a venturi pump to hold it down. I screw the uhmw right to the table.

David

PaulRowntree
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by PaulRowntree »

Lameiii wrote:Does anyone sell vac table parts.
have you seen this guy?

http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/welcome.htm

Many places sell pods...
Paul Rowntree
WarpDriver, StandingWave, Topo and gadgets available at PaulRowntree.weebly.com

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Ms Wolffie
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Re: Vac Hold Down System

Post by Ms Wolffie »

Image
http://www.sorotec.de/shop/product_info ... ition.html
I just bought this vacuum table but the company carries several others. The price is minus 19 percent tax so it is reasonable.
http://www.sorotec.de/shop/index.php/ca ... ables.html
German quality.
Cheers
Wolffie
Cheers
Wolffie

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